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Have you noticed some folks wearing new name tags that include our Hope logo? Wish you could order one? You can! If you would like to order a new name tag, please complete an order form found at the event signup wall. The cost is $5 and you can choose either a magnet or pin style.

To watch live services and view archives, you must go directly to our website hope2all.org and navigate to the Live Stream section (Worship -> Live Stream) or Archives section (Worship -> Video Archive).

This new streaming platform will provide less latency, and should result in a smoother viewing experience.

Since we are changing providers, the archived videos will only go as far back as our new launch date (March 17). If you need to order a DVD of an older service, please use the DVD request form in the Narthex.

Problems and Solutions

Here are some common problems with Live Stream services and their solutions:

Problem: The stream is very choppy.

Solution: Try pausing the live service for 30 seconds or a minute to let it buffer. Press play again and it should be all caught up.

Problem: The video quality is very poor.

Solution: Press the cogwheel icon on the video and change the resolution to 1920. Note that increasing your resolution may result in a choppier video if you don’t have enough bandwidth.

Problem: The audio is playing double, creating an echo.

Solution: You may have another browser tab or window open on the same page.

There is no cost to you or the church to have your photograph taken, and you will receive a complimentary 8 x 10 portrait and a directory for participating. You will be able to view your images electronically immediately after you are photographed. At that time you will have the opportunity to purchase additional portraits to share with family and friends. If you are a seasonal resident, please sign up early so you can be photographed before you leave to go back north.

THERE IS NO OBLIGATION TO PURCHASE!

How do I schedule online?

“Select Number in Group,” select Date (be patient while page loads), select Time by clicking “Book it”. You will be asked for your name, phone number, email address and for a Log-In and Password. Please make note of the Log-In and Password you create in case you need to change your appointment time at a later date. Click on “Finalize Photography Session” box. You will have an option to print your confirmation.

The Directory company’s privacy statement assures us that they will not solicit or sell our email addresses. By providing this information to us, you will immediately receive a confirmation email and also a reminder email a few days prior to your scheduled portrait date.

For those who do not have access to a computer, there will be a member of the Pictorial Directory Team available on Saturdays from 3:30 to 6pm and Sundays from 9 to 11:30am.

Is this for members only?

No – we invite all of our Hope community to be included.
(Members, associate members as well as non-members who worship with us regularly.)

Let me be among the first to welcome you to worship at Hope this blessed night. The decorations, music, and words spoken all call to mind that we are experiencing something special and it is a joy to be able to spend it together as a community.

What is the symbol that comes to mind for you when you think about Christmas? A tree? Santa? Presents? The Manger? For me, at least this year, it is the star.

I have thought of it throughout the season of Advent as it beckons us to the stable in Bethlehem. I have thought about how it called to the wise men from the east like a first century GPS. Most of all, I have
reflected on how that brilliant point of light shone in the dark sky as an announcement that God was doing great things in the world.

As we gather this night, it’s not just to think back and give thanks for what God did in sending us the Christ child, but it is a call to reflect on how the light of love, joy, peace, and hope of Christ is present in our lives today. Take time to listen for that still small voice that offers the hope and peace you need and how God might be calling you to be a point of light in the lives around you. May each of you have a most blessed and joyous Christmas.

As we continue to watch the track of Hurricane Irma, we are being surrounded by prayers and support from throughout the ELCA. The synod office has received numerous calls and messages from synod staff, pastors, and bishops throughout the church who are holding us and our companion churches in prayer in these days. Many congregations are ready to respond and support those affected by Hurricane Irma however they can.

Specifically, the Southeast Synod will be providing us a list of congregations in the areas around Atlanta, GA, Birmingham, AL and Nashville, TN who are willing to host those who may need to evacuate. That list will be shared on the home page of the Florida-Bahamas synod web site and on our Facebook page as it becomes available. We give thanks for our community in Christ who are surrounding us with prayer and support.

Assistant to the Bishop Michele Hilton has been on conference calls with the Florida VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters)– all state, federal, inter-faith and non-profit agencies are as deployed and prepared as they can be. She has also been in good communication with Lutheran Disaster Response in Chicago. They are ready to support us however we need it, and we are already coordinating a joint prayer service between the chapel in the Synod House and the chapel in the ELCA Churchwide office in Chicago for the days ahead. We will share information about that as it becomes available.

It looks like Hurricane Irma will most directly impact Florida on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The Synod House will be CLOSED on Monday. Synod staff will remain available throughout the weekend. Michele Hilton can be contacted directly at 941.373.5596.

As per our disaster response plan, pastors will be sharing specific information about the impact of the storm in their area with Conference Deans, who will then share that information with the synod staff. Conference Deans will be actively connecting with pastors throughout the weekend.

A donation link has been set up on the home page of the synod web site. Donations made to the synod-wide disaster response fund are used 100% for needs caused by disasters. This is also the fund through which we can support our companion churches who may be impacted. Designated donations to “Hurricane Irma disaster response” can be mailed to the synod office (3838 W. Cypress St, Tampa, FL 33607). More information about donations is available on the web site.

Please stay attentive to information from local agencies regarding conditions and plans for your area.

Many congregations are cancelling worship and other events this weekend. Pay close attention to information coming from your congregational leadership. A Liturgy in the Time of Storm service has been created for those who may want to gather with family and friends during this storm.

As the body of Christ, we stand together in times of joy and in times of struggle. This weekend, know that you are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses who are praying for and supporting you. As Saint Paul writes, “Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14)

Due to the timing and uncertain track of Hurricane Irma, and for the safety of our Hope family, your leadership team has cancelled worship services for this Sunday, September 10, 2017. Our Saturday services will take place as scheduled at 4pm (contemporary) & 6pm (traditional) this Saturday, September 9, 2017. If you usually attend on Sunday, please consider worshipping with us at one of the Saturday services.

The church offices will be CLOSED on Monday, September 11 and will reopen on Tuesday morning, September 12.

Our weekly Social Supper scheduled for Wednesday, September 13, has been cancelled due to difficulty in scheduling our food delivery.

Our website www.hope2all.org and our Facebook page @HopeLutheranVillages will be updated with the most current information as we have it. We will also provide updates via this email service.

If you need assistance during the storm or have a pastoral care emergency when the church office is closed, please call 352-978-4593.

In these moments of uncertainty, stress, and anxiety, let us pray together this prayer from the ELCA webpage:

Loving God, be with those who endure wildfires, hurricanes and floods. Protect those in the path of danger. Open pathways for evacuations. Help loved ones find one another in the chaos. Provide assistance to those who need help. Let your love be known through those who work to bring order. Help us to shoulder the burden of suffering and make us bearers of hope in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Upcoming Events:

Worship at 11:00 am. Lunch at 12:00 pm. Tickets will be needed for Lenten meals this year; on sale every weekend or during the week at the church office. Lenten Lunch: $2 The Seven Last Words from The Cross (6/7): It is finished. John 19:30 Learn More →

Supper at 5:00 pm. Worship at 6:00 pm. Tickets will be needed for Lenten meals this year; on sale every weekend or during the week at the church office. Lenten Supper: $5 The Seven Last Words from The Cross (6/7): It is finished. John 19:30 Learn More →